From left to right: Beni, John Spalding, Kaiti B.
On the evening of October 26, 2023, J P Kelly’s in Springfield, IL hosted a Halloween Celebrity Bartender Fun-Raiser, benefiting the YMCA Strong Kids Fund. Neuhoff Media stations Sports Radio 1450 (WFMB-AM), 104.5 WFMB (WFMB-FM), and 99-7 The MIX (WXAJ-FM) were part of the event by providing celebrity bartenders from each station. The event, which ran from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, also featured local politicians, educators, and local celebrities.
Three Neuhoff Media personalities took on the role of celebrity bartenders for the evening: Sports Radio 1450’s Jim Ruppert, John Spalding from 104.5 WFMB, and Katie B & Beni from 99-7 The MIX kept the atmosphere lively with their bartending skills.
The $5,975 raised for the YMCA Strong Kids Fund gives underserved, at-risk youth and those with diverse abilities a Y experience through memberships, camps, sports, and after school programs. Some of the Strong Kids funded programs include:
Matthew Kids Summer Camp: This summer experience includes transportation to and from the camp, breakfast, lunch, tutoring and swimming lessons. The Matthew Project provides clothing, food, tutoring, mentoring and life skills classes to children in District 186 who are homeless or in transitional housing.
Saturday Strikers Bowling Program: This program is designed for persons with disabilities providing physical exercise, team building, and self-confidence. Each year a individuals are sent to compete in Special Olympics Bowling.
Special Needs Aquatic Program: This program provides swimming lessons to individuals with mental or physical disabilities.
Attendees generously tipped the bartenders, knowing that their contributions would benefit local children in need. The funds raised will support the YMCA’s programs for underserved youth in Springfield.